U.S. patent application number 16/677107 was filed with the patent office on 2020-03-05 for display device with touch detection function and electronic apparatus.
The applicant listed for this patent is Japan Display Inc.. Invention is credited to Koichiro ADACHI.
Application Number | 20200073508 16/677107 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51016646 |
Filed Date | 2020-03-05 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200073508 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ADACHI; Koichiro |
March 5, 2020 |
DISPLAY DEVICE WITH TOUCH DETECTION FUNCTION AND ELECTRONIC
APPARATUS
Abstract
According to an aspect, a display device with a touch detection
function includes: a plurality of pixel electrodes arranged in a
matrix; a plurality of scanning signal lines; a drive electrode
that faces the pixel electrodes; and a plurality of touch detection
electrodes including a detection electrode pattern of a transparent
conductive body that faces the drive electrode. The detection
electrode pattern includes one or more slits each of which is a
region where the transparent conductive body is not present. The
slits of the detection electrode pattern of the touch detection
electrodes extend in a direction different from an extending
direction of the scanning signal lines with a slit pitch having a
predetermined interval therebetween in the extending direction of
the scanning signal lines. The slit pitch is multiples of a natural
number of a predetermined pixel pitch in which the pixel electrodes
are arranged.
Inventors: |
ADACHI; Koichiro; (Tokyo,
JP) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Japan Display Inc. |
Tokyo |
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JP |
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Family ID: |
51016646 |
Appl. No.: |
16/677107 |
Filed: |
November 7, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15397361 |
Jan 3, 2017 |
10509506 |
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16677107 |
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14109038 |
Dec 17, 2013 |
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15397361 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02F 1/13338 20130101;
G02F 1/133512 20130101; G06F 3/0416 20130101; G02F 2201/123
20130101; G02F 1/134336 20130101; G06F 2203/04108 20130101; G06F
2203/04107 20130101; G06F 3/044 20130101; G06F 3/0412 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/041 20060101
G06F003/041; G06F 3/044 20060101 G06F003/044; G02F 1/1333 20060101
G02F001/1333; G02F 1/1335 20060101 G02F001/1335; G02F 1/1343
20060101 G02F001/1343 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 28, 2012 |
JP |
2012-288905 |
Claims
1. A display device with a touch detection function comprising: a
substrate; a plurality of pixel electrodes arranged in a matrix on
a plane parallel to a surface of the substrate; a plurality of
scanning signal lines extending on a plane parallel to the surface
of the substrate to supply a scanning signal for driving the pixel
electrodes; a display functional layer that provides an image
display function based on an image signal; a common electrode that
faces the pixel electrodes in a vertical direction to the surface
of the substrate; and a plurality of touch detection electrodes
including a detection electrode pattern of a transparent conductive
body that faces the substrate in the vertical direction and extends
in a first direction based on an overall shape of the detection
electrode pattern, wherein the detection electrode pattern includes
one or more slits each of which is a region where the transparent
conductive body is not present, each of the slits of the detection
electrode pattern of the touch detection electrodes has a zigzag
line shape in which a straight line having an angle with respect to
the first direction is folded back at a bent part, the slits are
disposed with a slit pitch having a predetermined interval, the
slit pitch being a distance between the adjacent slits of which an
overall shape extends in the first direction, and the slits which
are adjacent to each other and each of which has at least three
consecutive bent parts, are disposed parallel to each other
maintaining the slit pitch.
2. The display device with a touch detection function according to
claim 1, wherein the touch detection electrode includes the
detection electrode pattern and a dummy pattern that does not
function as an electrode, the dummy pattern includes one or more
slits each of which is a region where the transparent conductive
body is not present, the slits of the dummy pattern of the touch
detection electrodes are disposed with a slit pitch having a
predetermined interval, the slit pitch being a distance between the
adjacent slits of which an overall shape extends in the first
direction, and the slit pitch of the detection electrode pattern
and the slit pitch of the dummy pattern are same.
3. The display device with a touch detection function according to
claim 1, wherein the slits of the detection electrode pattern have
a wavy line shape in which a straight line having an angle with
respect to the first direction is folded back at a bent part.
4. The display device with a touch detection function according to
claim 1, wherein each of the slits having the zigzag line shape
extends across the pixel electrodes as viewed in the vertical
direction.
5. The display device with a touch detection function according to
claim 1, further comprising a plurality of pixel signal lines that
extend on a plane parallel to the surface of the substrate to
supply a pixel signal for displaying an image to the pixel
electrodes, wherein the bent part overlaps a part of the pixel
signal line as viewed in the vertical direction.
6. The display device with a touch detection function according to
claim 1, further comprising a plurality of pixel signal lines that
extend on a plane parallel to the surface of the substrate to
supply a pixel signal for displaying an image on the pixel
electrodes, wherein the slit of the detection electrode pattern
extends along at least a part of the pixel signal line and overlaps
therewith as viewed in the vertical direction.
7. The display device with a touch detection function according to
claim 1, further comprising a light shielding layer that shields an
edge of the pixel electrode from light, wherein the slit overlaps a
part of the light shielding layer as viewed in the vertical
direction.
8. The display device with a touch detection function according to
claim 1, wherein the detection electrode pattern has a part in
which boundary lines on both sides thereof are parallel to each
other.
9. A display device with a touch detection function comprising: a
substrate; a plurality of pixel electrodes arranged in a matrix on
a plane parallel to a surface of the substrate, a plurality of
scanning signal lines extending on a plane parallel to the surface
of the substrate to supply a scanning signal for driving the pixel
electrodes; a display functional layer that provides an image
display function based on an image signal; a common electrode that
faces the pixel electrodes in a vertical direction to the surface
of the substrate; and a plurality of touch detection electrodes
including a detection electrode pattern of a transparent conductive
body that faces the substrate in the vertical direction and extends
in a first direction based on an overall shape of the detection
electrode pattern, wherein the detection electrode pattern includes
one or more slits each of which is a region where the transparent
conductive body is not present, each of the slits of the detection
electrode pattern of the touch detection electrodes has a zigzag
line shape in which a straight line having an angle with respect to
the first direction is folded back at a bent part, the slits are
disposed with a slit pitch having a predetermined interval, the
slit pitch being a distance between the adjacent slits of which an
overall shape extends in the first direction, each of the slits has
at least a first bent part, a second bent part, a third bent part,
a fourth bent part, a fifth bent part, and a sixth bent part
consecutively in that order arranged in the first direction, and as
viewed in the vertical direction, each of the first bent part and
the sixth bent part overlaps a part of a corresponding scanning
signal line, and none of the second to fifth bent parts overlaps
any of the scanning signal lines.
10. The display device with a touch detection function according to
claim 9, wherein all of the slits of the detection electrode
pattern are disposed parallel to each other.
11. A display device with a touch detection function comprising: a
substrate; a plurality of pixel electrodes arranged in a matrix on
a plane parallel to a surface of the substrate; a plurality of
scanning signal lines extending on a plane parallel to the surface
of the substrate to supply a scanning signal for driving the pixel
electrodes; a display functional layer that provides an image
display function based on an image signal; a common electrode that
faces the pixel electrodes in a vertical direction to the surface
of the substrate; and a plurality of touch detection electrodes
including a detection electrode pattern of a transparent conductive
body that faces the substrate in the vertical direction and extends
in a first direction based on an overall shape of the detection
electrode pattern, wherein the detection electrode pattern includes
one or more slits each of which is a region where the transparent
conductive body is not present, each of the slits of the detection
electrode pattern of the touch detection electrodes has a zigzag
line shape in which a straight line having an angle with respect to
the first direction is folded back at a bent part, the slits are
disposed with a slit pitch having a predetermined interval, the
slit pitch being a distance between the adjacent slits of which an
overall shape extends in the first direction, and the bent portions
of the slits are disposed with the slit pitch that is constant,
such that the slits adjacent to each other are parallel to each
other and that the overall shape of the slits extends in the first
direction.
12. A display device with a touch detection function comprising: a
substrate; a plurality of pixel electrodes arranged in a matrix on
a plane parallel to a surface of the substrate; a plurality of
scanning signal lines extending on a plane parallel to the surface
of the substrate to supply a scanning signal for driving the pixel
electrodes; a display functional layer that provides an image
display function based on an image signal; a common electrode that
faces the pixel electrodes in a vertical direction to the surface
of the substrate; and a plurality of touch detection electrodes
including a detection electrode pattern of a transparent conductive
body that faces the substrate in the vertical direction and extends
in a first direction based on overall shape of the detection
electrode pattern, wherein the detection electrode pattern includes
one or more slits each of which is a region where the transparent
conductive body is not present, each of the slits of the detection
electrode pattern of the touch detection electrodes has a zigzag
line shape in which a straight line having an angle with respect to
the first direction is folded back at a bent part, the slits are
disposed with a slit pitch having a predetermined interval, the
slit pitch being a distance between the adjacent slits of which an
overall shape extends in the first direction, and the slits
adjacent to each other, each of which has at least three
consecutive bent parts each overlapping a part of a corresponding
scanning signal line as viewed in the vertical direction, are
disposed parallel to each other maintaining the slit pitch.
Description
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/397,361, filed on Jan. 3, 2017, which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/109,038, filed
on Dec. 17, 2013, which application claims priority to Japanese
Priority Patent Application JP 2012-288905 filed in the Japan
Patent Office on Dec. 28, 2012, the entire content of which is
hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
1. Technical Field
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a display device and an
electronic apparatus that can detect an external proximity object,
and more particularly relates to a display device with a touch
detection function and an electronic apparatus that can detect an
external proximity object based on a change in capacitance.
2. Description of the Related Art
[0003] In recent years, a touch detection device that can detect an
external proximity object, a so-called "touch panel", is drawing
attention. The touch panel is used for the display device with a
touch detection function in which a touch detection device is
mounted on or integrated with a display device such as a
liquid-crystal display device. The display device with a touch
detection function displays various button images or the like on
the display device, and thereby allows information to be input by
the touch panel instead of a general mechanical button. The display
device with a touch detection function having such a touch panel
does not require an input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, or a
keypad. Accordingly, the usage thereof is increasing in portable
information devices such as mobile phone as well as computers.
[0004] As a method of touch detection, various methods such as an
optical method, a resistive method, and a capacitive method can be
mentioned. A capacitive type touch detection device has a
relatively simple structure and can realize low power consumption.
Accordingly, the capacitive type touch detection device can be that
can be used for a mobile device. For example, Japanese Patent
Application Laid-open Publication No. 2011-138154 describes a touch
panel in which a transparent electrode pattern is made invisible.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-open Publication No. 2007-264393
relates to a liquid crystal display device having a
light-transmissive light condensing sheet, and describes a
technique for suppressing a contrasting pattern (Moire) due to
interference between a prism array pitch of the light condensing
sheet and a pixel pitch of a liquid-crystal display panel.
[0005] Meanwhile, in the display device with a touch detection
function, a pixel of a display panel and a touch detection
electrode overlap each other. In the touch detection electrode, a
transparent conducting oxide such as ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) is used
as a material of the transparent electrode. The touch detection
electrode is transparent, but has a predetermined refraction index.
Therefore, in the display device with a touch detection function, a
slit hole pattern is provided in a transparent electrode pattern of
the touch detection electrode, so that the touch detection
electrode is made invisible and less noticeable on human eyes.
[0006] There may be a difference in optical wavelengths between
light that is emitted from the pixel of the display panel, passes
through the transparent electrode pattern of the touch detection
electrode, and reaches a human and light that is emitted from the
pixel of the display panel, passes through the slit hole pattern,
and reaches the human. The difference in optical wavelengths
appears as a change in color to be displayed originally, and
stripes (hereinafter, also referred to as "Moire fringes") of a
color shift pattern (color Moire) may become visible according to a
field angle at which the human watches the display panel.
[0007] For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a display
device and an electronic apparatus that can decrease Moire fringes
due to a touch detection electrode.
SUMMARY
[0008] According to an aspect, a display device with a touch
detection function includes: a substrate; a plurality of pixel
electrodes arranged in a matrix on a plane parallel to a surface of
the substrate; a plurality of scanning signal lines extending on a
plane parallel to the surface of the substrate to supply a scanning
signal for driving the pixel electrodes; a display functional layer
that provides an image display function based on an image signal; a
drive electrode that faces the pixel electrodes in a vertical
direction to the surface of the substrate and extends in a
direction parallel to an extending direction of the scanning signal
lines; and a plurality of touch detection electrodes including a
detection electrode pattern of a transparent conductive body that
faces the drive electrode in the vertical direction and extends in
a direction different from the extending direction of the scanning
signal lines. The detection electrode pattern includes one or more
slits each of which is a region where the transparent conductive
body is not present. The slits of the detection electrode pattern
of the touch detection electrodes extend in a direction different
from the extending direction of the scanning signal lines with a
slit pitch having a predetermined interval therebetween in the
extending direction of the scanning signal lines. The slit pitch is
multiples of a natural number of a predetermined pixel pitch in
which the pixel electrodes are arranged.
[0009] According to another aspect, an electronic apparatus
includes the display device with a touch detection function.
[0010] Additional features and advantages are described herein, and
will be apparent from the following Detailed Description and the
figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0011] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration
example of a display device with a touch detection function
according to a first embodiment;
[0012] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state where
a finger is not in contact with or in proximity to the display
device, for explaining a basic principle of a capacitive type touch
detection method;
[0013] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of
an equivalent circuit in the state where a finger is not in contact
with or in proximity to the display device as illustrated in FIG.
2;
[0014] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state where
a finger is in contact with or in proximity to the display device,
for explaining the basic principle of the capacitive type touch
detection method;
[0015] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for illustrating an example
of an equivalent circuit in the state where a finger is in contact
with or in proximity to the display device as illustrated in FIG.
4;
[0016] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of waveforms of a drive signal
and a touch detection signal;
[0017] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a module having the display
device with a touch detection function mounted thereon;
[0018] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a module having the display
device with a touch detection function mounted thereon;
[0019] FIG. 9 is a sectional view illustrating a schematic
sectional structure of a display unit with a touch detection
function according to the first embodiment;
[0020] FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram illustrating a pixel
arrangement of the display unit with a touch detection function
according to the first embodiment;
[0021] FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration
example of drive electrodes and touch detection electrodes of the
display unit with a touch detection function according to the first
embodiment;
[0022] FIG. 12 is a timing waveform diagram illustrating an
operation example of the display device with a touch detection
function according to the first embodiment;
[0023] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating an arrangement
of touch detection electrodes according to the first
embodiment;
[0024] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating an enlarged view
of the touch detection electrodes according to the first
embodiment;
[0025] FIG. 15 is another schematic diagram illustrating an
enlarged view of the touch detection electrodes according to the
first embodiment;
[0026] FIG. 16 is another schematic diagram illustrating an
enlarged view of the touch detection electrodes according to the
first embodiment;
[0027] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram for explaining a relation
between an arrangement of the touch detection electrodes and color
regions of a color filter according to the first embodiment;
[0028] FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram for explaining a specific
example of the relation between the arrangement of the touch
detection electrodes and the color regions of the color filter
illustrated in FIG. 17;
[0029] FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram for explaining a relation
between an arrangement of touch detection electrodes and color
regions of a color filter according to a second embodiment;
[0030] FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram for explaining a specific
example of the relation between the arrangement of the touch
detection electrodes and the color regions of the color filter
illustrated in FIG. 19;
[0031] FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram for explaining a first
modification of the relation between the arrangement of the touch
detection electrodes and the color regions of the color filter
illustrated in FIG. 19;
[0032] FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram for explaining a second
modification of the relation between the arrangement of the touch
detection electrodes and the color regions of the color filter
according to illustrated in FIG. 19;
[0033] FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram for explaining a third
modification of the relation between the arrangement of the touch
detection electrodes and the color regions of the color filter
according to illustrated in FIG. 19;
[0034] FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram for explaining a fourth
modification of the relation between the arrangement of the touch
detection electrodes and the color regions of the color filter
according to illustrated in FIG. 19;
[0035] FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram for explaining a fifth
modification of the relation between the arrangement of the touch
detection electrodes and the color regions of the color filter
according to illustrated in FIG. 19;
[0036] FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram for explaining a sixth
modification of the relation between the arrangement of the touch
detection electrodes and the color regions of the color filter
according to illustrated in FIG. 19;
[0037] FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram for explaining a seventh
modification of the relation between the arrangement of the touch
detection electrodes and the color regions of the color filter
according to illustrated in FIG. 19;
[0038] FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram for explaining an eighth
modification of the relation between the arrangement of the touch
detection electrodes and the color regions of the color filter
according to illustrated in FIG. 19;
[0039] FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram illustrating the arrangement
of the touch detection electrodes according to a ninth modification
of the second embodiment;
[0040] FIG. 30 is another schematic diagram illustrating the
arrangement of the touch detection electrodes according the ninth
modification of to the second embodiment;
[0041] FIG. 31 is a schematic diagram for explaining a change in
luminance corresponding to an arrangement of touch detection
electrodes according to a third embodiment;
[0042] FIG. 32 is a schematic diagram for explaining a relation
between an arrangement of the touch detection electrodes and color
regions of a color filter according to the third embodiment;
[0043] FIG. 33 is another schematic diagram for explaining the
relation between the arrangement of the touch detection electrodes
and the color regions of the color filter according to the third
embodiment;
[0044] FIG. 34 is another schematic diagram for explaining the
relation between the arrangement of the touch detection electrodes
and the color regions of the color filter according to the third
embodiment;
[0045] FIG. 35 is another schematic diagram for explaining the
relation between the arrangement of the touch detection electrodes
and the color regions of the color filter according to the third
embodiment;
[0046] FIG. 36 is another schematic diagram for explaining the
relation between the arrangement of the touch detection electrodes
and the color regions of the color filter according to the third
embodiment;
[0047] FIG. 37 illustrates an example of an electronic apparatus to
which the display device with a touch detection function according
to the embodiment is applied;
[0048] FIG. 38 illustrates another example of an electronic
apparatus to which the display device with a touch detection
function according to the embodiment is applied;
[0049] FIG. 39 illustrates another example of an electronic
apparatus to which the display device with a touch detection
function according to the embodiment is applied;
[0050] FIG. 40 illustrates another example of an electronic
apparatus to which the display device with a touch detection
function according to the embodiment is applied;
[0051] FIG. 41 illustrates another example of an electronic
apparatus to which the display device with a touch detection
function according to the embodiment is applied;
[0052] FIG. 42 illustrates another example of an electronic
apparatus to which the display device with a touch detection
function according to the embodiment is applied;
[0053] FIG. 43 illustrates another example of an electronic
apparatus to which the display device with a touch detection
function according to the embodiment is applied;
[0054] FIG. 44 illustrates another example of an electronic
apparatus to which the display device with a touch detection
function according to the embodiment is applied;
[0055] FIG. 45 illustrates another example of an electronic
apparatus to which the display device with a touch detection
function according to the embodiment is applied;
[0056] FIG. 46 illustrates another example of an electronic
apparatus to which the display device with a touch detection
function according to the embodiment is applied;
[0057] FIG. 47 illustrates another example of an electronic
apparatus to which the display device with a touch detection
function according to the embodiment is applied; and
[0058] FIG. 48 illustrates another example of an electronic
apparatus to which the display device with a touch detection
function according to the embodiment is applied.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0059] Embodiments for carrying out the present disclosure will be
explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
The present disclosure is not limited to the contents described in
the following embodiments. Constituent elements described in the
following explanations include those that can be easily conceived
by persons skilled in the art and that are substantially identical.
In addition, constituent elements described in the following
explanations can be combined as appropriate. Explanations are made
with the following order.
1. Embodiments (Display device with touch detection function)
[0060] 1-1. First embodiment
[0061] 1-2. Second embodiment
[0062] 1-3. Third embodiment
[0063] 1-4. Modifications
2. Application example (Electronic apparatus)
[0064] Example in which a display with a touch detection function
device according to the above embodiments is applied to an
electronic apparatus
3. Aspects of the present disclosure
1. EMBODIMENTS
1-1. First Embodiment
1-1A. Configuration Example
Overall Configuration Example
[0065] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration
example of a display device with a touch detection function
according to a first embodiment. A display device 1 with a touch
detection function includes a display unit 10 with a touch
detection function, a control unit 11, a gate driver 12, a source
driver 13, a drive electrode driver 14, and a touch detection unit
40. The display device 1 with a touch detection function is a
display unit in which the display unit 10 with a touch detection
function has a touch detection function incorporated therein. The
display unit 10 with a touch detection function is a so-called
"in-cell" device in which a liquid-crystal display unit 20 that
uses liquid-crystal display elements as display elements and a
capacitive type touch detection device 30 are integrated. The
display unit 10 with a touch detection function can be a so-called
"on-cell" device that has the capacitive type touch detection
device 30 mounted on the liquid-crystal display unit 20 that uses
the liquid-crystal display elements as the display elements.
[0066] As described later, the liquid-crystal display unit 20
sequentially scans horizontal lines one by one to perform display,
according to a scanning signal Vscan supplied from the gate driver
12. The control unit 11 is a circuit that supplies a control
signal, respectively, to the gate driver 12, the source driver 13,
the drive electrode driver 14, and the touch detection unit 40
based on a video signal Vdisp supplied from outside to control so
that these units operate in synchronization.
[0067] The gate driver 12 has a function of sequentially selecting
one horizontal line to be displayed by the display unit 10 with a
touch detection function based on the control signal supplied from
the control unit 11.
[0068] The source driver 13 is a circuit that supplies a pixel
signal Vpix to each pixel Pix (each sub-pixel SPix) described later
of the display unit 10 with a touch detection function based on the
control signal supplied from the control unit 11. The source driver
13 generates a pixel signal in which the pixel signals Vpix of a
plurality of sub-pixels SPix of the liquid-crystal display unit 20
are time-division multiplexed from the video signals for one
horizontal line.
[0069] The drive electrode driver 14 is a circuit that supplies a
drive signal Vcom to a drive electrode COML described later of the
display unit 10 with a touch detection function based on the
control signal supplied from the control unit 11.
[0070] Basic Principle of Capacitive Type Touch Detection
[0071] The touch detection device 30 operates based on a basic
principle of the capacitive type touch detection, and outputs a
touch detection signal Vdet. The basic principle of touch detection
in the display device with a touch detection function according to
the embodiment is explained with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. FIG. 2
is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state where a finger is
not in contact with or in proximity to the display device, for
explaining a basic principle of a capacitive type touch detection
method. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of
an equivalent circuit in the state where a finger is not in contact
with or in proximity to the display device as illustrated in FIG.
2. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state where a
finger is in contact with or in proximity to the display device,
for explaining the basic principle of the capacitive type touch
detection method. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for illustrating
an example of an equivalent circuit in the state where a finger is
in contact with or in proximity to the display device as
illustrated in FIG. 4.
[0072] For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, a capacitative
element C1 includes a pair of electrodes, a drive electrode E1 and
a touch detection electrode E2, that are arranged opposite to each
other with a dielectric body D interposed therebetween. As
illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5, one end of the capacitative element
C1 is coupled to an AC signal source (drive signal source) S, and
the other end P is grounded via a resistance R, and is coupled to a
voltage detector (touch detection unit) DET.
[0073] When an AC square wave Sg of a predetermined frequency (for
example, about several kHz to several hundreds of kHz) is applied
from the AC signal source S to the drive electrode E1 (one end of
the capacitative element C1), an output waveform (the touch
detection signal Vdet) appears in the touch detection electrode E2
(at the other end P of the capacitative element C1). The AC square
wave Sg corresponds to a touch detection drive signal Vcomt
described later.
[0074] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, in the state where a finger
is not in contact with (or in proximity to) the display device (a
non-contact state), a current I.sub.0 corresponding to a
capacitance value of the capacitative element C1 flows with charge
and discharge to the capacitative element C1. The shape of
potential at the other end P of the capacitative element C1 at this
time becomes a waveform V.sub.0, for example, as illustrated in
FIG. 6, and the voltage detector DET illustrated in FIG. 3 detects
the waveform V.sub.0.
[0075] On the other hand, in the state where a finger is in contact
with (or in proximity to) the display device (a contact state), as
illustrated in FIG. 4, a capacitance formed by the finger acts to
be added to the capacitative element C1 as a capacitative element
C2. In the equivalent circuit illustrated in FIG. 5, the
capacitative element C2 is added to the capacitative element C1 in
series. In this state, currents I.sub.1 and I.sub.2 flow to the
capacitative elements C1 and C2 with charge and discharge to the
capacitative elements C1 and C2. The shape of potential at the
other end P of the capacitative element C1 at this time becomes a
waveform V.sub.1, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 6, and the
voltage detector DET detects the waveform V.sub.1. At this time,
the potential at the other end P becomes a divided potential
determined by the values of the currents I.sub.1 and I.sub.2
flowing in the capacitative elements C1 and C2. Therefore, the
waveform V.sub.1 has a smaller value than the waveform V.sub.0 in
the non-contact state. The voltage detector DET compares the
detected voltage with a predetermined threshold voltage Vth. When
the detected voltage is equal to or larger than the threshold
voltage, the voltage detector DET determines that the state is the
non-contact state, and when the detected value is smaller than the
threshold voltage Vth, the voltage detector DET determines that the
state is the contact state. Touch detection can be performed in
this manner.
[0076] The touch detection device 30 illustrated in FIG. 1 performs
touch detection by sequentially scanning a detection block one by
one according to the drive signal Vcom (the touch detection drive
signal Vcomt described later) supplied from the drive electrode
driver 14.
[0077] The touch detection device 30 outputs the touch detection
signal Vdet for each detection block from a plurality of touch
detection electrodes TDL described later, and supplies the touch
detection signal Vdet to the touch detection unit 40.
[0078] The touch detection unit 40 is a circuit that detects the
presence of touch (the contact state described above) to the touch
detection device 30 based on the control signal supplied from the
control unit 11 and the touch detection signal Vdet supplied from
the touch detection device 30 of the display unit 10 with a touch
detection function, and obtains a coordinate thereof in a touch
detection area when the presence of touch is detected. The touch
detection unit 40 includes an analog LPF (Low Pass Filter) 42, an
A/D convertor 43, a signal processor 44, a coordinate extractor 45,
and a detection-timing controller 46.
[0079] The analog LPF 42 is a low-pass analog filter that receives
the touch detection signal Vdet supplied from the touch detection
device 30 as an input, removes a high frequency component (a noise
component) included in the touch detection signal Vdet to extract a
touch component, and output the touch component. The resistance R
for applying a DC potential (0 V) is coupled between respective
input terminals of the analog LPF 42 and the ground. For example, a
switch can be provided instead of the resistance R to apply the DC
potential (0 V) by turning on the switch at a predetermined
time.
[0080] The A/D convertor 43 is a circuit that samples an analog
signal output from the analog LPF 42 at a timing synchronized with
the drive signal Vcom and converts the sampled analog signal to a
digital signal.
[0081] The signal processor 44 includes a digital filter that
removes the frequency component (the noise component) that is
included in an output signal of the A/D convertor 43 and is higher
than a frequency at which the touch detection signal Vdet has been
sampled, and extracts the touch component. The signal processor 44
is a logical circuit that detects the presence of touch to the
touch detection device 30 based on the output signal of the A/D
convertor 43.
[0082] The coordinate extractor 45 is a logical circuit that
obtains touch panel coordinates when a touch is detected by the
signal processor 44. The detection-timing controller 46 performs
control so that the A/D convertor 43, the signal processor 44, and
the coordinate extractor 45 operate in synchronization.
[0083] Module
[0084] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate an example of a module having the
display device with a touch detection function mounted thereon. As
illustrated in FIG. 7, the display device 1 with a touch detection
function can form the drive electrode driver 14 described above on
a glass TFT substrate 21 when the display device 1 with a touch
detection function is mounted on a module.
[0085] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the display device 1 with a touch
detection function includes the display unit 10 with a touch
detection function, the drive electrode driver 14, and a COG (Chip
On Glass) 19A. The display unit 10 with a touch detection function
is a so-called "landscape" type (horizontally long). In the display
unit 10 with a touch detection function, the drive electrodes COML
and the touch detection electrodes TDL formed to intersect the
drive electrodes COML in grade separation are schematically
illustrated in a vertical direction to a surface of the TFT
substrate described later. That is, the drive electrodes COML are
formed along a short-side direction of the display unit 10 with a
touch detection function, and the touch detection electrodes TDL
are formed along a long-side direction of the display unit 10 with
a touch detection function. An output of each touch detection
electrode TDL is provided on the short side of the display unit 10
with a touch detection function, and is coupled to the touch
detection unit 40 mounted on outside of the module via a terminal
portion T configured by a flexible substrate or the like. The drive
electrode driver 14 is formed on the TFT substrate 21, which is a
glass substrate. The COG 19A is a chip mounted on the TFT substrate
21, and has incorporated therein respective circuits required for a
display operation such as the control unit 11, the gate driver 12,
and the source driver 13 illustrated in FIG. 1. As illustrated in
FIG. 8, the display device 1 with a touch detection function can
have the drive electrode driver 14 incorporated in a COG (Chip On
Glass) 19B.
[0086] In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 8, the display
device 1 with a touch detection function includes the COG 19B. The
COG 19B illustrated in FIG. 8 further has incorporated therein the
drive electrode driver 14 in addition to the respective circuits
required for the display operation described above.
[0087] In this manner, the display device 1 with a touch detection
function illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 outputs the touch detection
signal Vdet from the short side of the display unit 10 with a touch
detection function. Therefore, the display device 1 with a touch
detection function can reduce the number of touch detection
electrodes TDL, thereby facilitating a wiring arrangement at the
time of coupling to the touch detection unit 40 via the terminal
portion T. Because the display device 1 with a touch detection
function illustrated in FIG. 8 incorporates the drive electrode
driver 14 in the COG 19B, a frame thereof can be made narrow.
[0088] Display Unit 10 with Touch Detection Function
[0089] A configuration example of the display unit 10 with a touch
detection function is explained next in detail.
[0090] FIG. 9 is a sectional view illustrating a schematic
sectional structure of the display unit with a touch detection
function according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a circuit
diagram illustrating a pixel arrangement of the display unit with a
touch detection function according to the first embodiment. The
display unit 10 with a touch detection function includes a pixel
substrate 2, a counter substrate 3 arranged opposite to the surface
of the pixel substrate 2 in a vertical direction thereto, and a
liquid crystal layer 6 interposed between the pixel substrate 2 and
the counter substrate 3.
[0091] The pixel substrate 2 includes the TFT substrate 21 as a
circuit substrate, a plurality of pixel electrodes 22 arranged in a
matrix on the TFT substrate 21, a plurality of drive electrodes
COML formed between the TFT substrate 21 and the pixel electrodes
22, and an insulation layer 24 that insulates between the pixel
electrodes 22 and the drive electrodes COML. As illustrated in FIG.
10, the TFT substrate 21 includes a thin film transistor (TFT)
element Tr provided for each sub-pixel SPix and wiring such as a
pixel signal line SGL for supplying the pixel signal Vpix to pixel
electrodes 22, and a scanning signal line GCL that drive TFT
elements Tr. In this manner, the pixel signal line SGL extends on a
plane parallel to the surface of the TFT substrate 21 to supply an
image signal for displaying an image on a pixel. The liquid-crystal
display unit 20 illustrated in FIG. 10 has the sub-pixels SPix
arranged in a matrix. Each sub-pixel SPix includes the TFT element
Tr and a liquid crystal element LC. The TFT element Tr is
constituted by a thin film transistor, and constituted by an
n-channel MOS (Metal Oxide Semiconductor) TFT in this example. A
source of the TFT element is coupled to the pixel signal line SGL,
a gate thereof is coupled to the scanning signal line GCL, and a
drain thereof is coupled to one end of the liquid crystal element
LC. One end of the liquid crystal element LC is coupled to the
drain of the TFT element Tr, and the other end is coupled to the
drive electrode COML.
[0092] The sub-pixel SPix is coupled to other sub-pixels SPix
belonging to the same row of the liquid-crystal display unit 20 by
the scanning signal line GCL. The scanning signal line GCL is
coupled to the gate driver 12, and supplied with the scanning
signal Vscan from the gate driver 12. The sub-pixel SPix is also
coupled to other sub-pixels SPix belonging to the same column of
the liquid-crystal display unit 20 by the pixel signal line SGL.
The pixel signal line SGL is coupled to the source driver 13, and
supplies with the pixel signal Vpix from the source driver 13.
Furthermore, the sub-pixel SPix is coupled to other sub-pixels SPix
belonging to the same row of the liquid-crystal display unit 20 by
the drive electrode COML. The drive electrode COML is coupled to
the drive electrode driver 14, and supplied with the drive signal
Vcom from the drive electrode driver 14. That is, in this example,
the sub-pixels SPix belonging to the same row share one drive
electrode COML.
[0093] By applying the scanning signal Vscan to the gate of the TFT
elements Tr of the sub-pixel SPix via the scanning signal line GCL
illustrated in FIG. 10, the gate driver 12 illustrated in FIG. 1
sequentially selects one row (one horizontal line) of the
sub-pixels SPix formed in the matrix on the liquid-crystal display
unit 20 as a display target. The source driver 13 illustrated in
FIG. 1 supplies the pixel signal Vpix to the respective sub-pixels
SPix constituting one horizontal line to be selected sequentially
by the gate driver 12 via the pixel signal line SGL illustrated in
FIG. 10. In the sub-pixels SPix, one horizontal line is displayed
according to the supplied pixel signal Vpix. The drive electrode
driver 14 illustrated in FIG. 1 drives the drive electrodes COML in
a unit of a block each including a predetermined number of drive
electrodes COML illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10 by applying the drive
signal Vcom thereto.
[0094] As described above, in the liquid-crystal display unit 20,
the gate driver 12 drives the scanning signal line GCL so as to
perform line sequential scanning in a time divisional manner, and
one horizontal line is sequentially selected. Further, in the
liquid-crystal display unit 20, the source driver 13 supplies the
pixel signals Vpix to the pixels Pix belonging to one horizontal
line, thereby performing display for each horizontal line. At the
time of performing the display operation, the drive electrode
driver 14 applies the drive signal Vcom to the block including the
drive electrode COML corresponding to the one horizontal line.
[0095] The counter substrate 3 includes a glass substrate 31, and a
color filter 32 formed on a surface of the glass substrate 31. The
touch detection electrode TDL, which is a detection electrode of
the touch detection device 30, is formed on the other surface of
the glass substrate 31, and a polarization plate 35 is arranged on
the touch detection electrode TDL.
[0096] The color filter 32 includes color regions 32R, 32G, and 32B
colored in three colors of red (R), green (G), and blue (B). The
color filter 32 faces the pixel electrodes 22 in the vertical
direction to the TFT substrate 21, and overlaps with them as viewed
in the vertical direction to the surface of the TFT substrate 21.
The color filter 32 is matched with the pixel Pix as one set, in
which the color regions 32R, 32G, and 32B colored in three colors
of red (R), green (G), and blue (B) are matched with each sub-pixel
SPix illustrated in FIG. 10 by cyclically arranging color filters
colored in, for example, three colors of red (R), green (G), and
blue (B). The color filter 32 faces the liquid crystal layer 6 in
the vertical direction to the TFT substrate 21. The color filter 32
can use a combination of other colors, when the filters are colored
in different colors.
[0097] The drive electrode COML according to the present embodiment
functions as a common electrode (common drive electrode) of the
liquid-crystal display unit 20, and also functions as a drive
electrode of the touch detection device 30. In the embodiment, one
drive electrode COML is arranged so as to correspond to one pixel
electrode 22 (a pixel electrode 22 constituting one row). The
insulation layer 24 insulates between the pixel electrode 22 and
the drive electrode COML, and insulates between the pixel electrode
22 and the pixel signal line SGL formed on the surface of the TFT
substrate 21. The drive electrode COML faces the pixel electrode 22
in the vertical direction to the surface of the TFT substrate 21,
and extends in a direction parallel to the extending direction of
the scanning signal line CGL.
[0098] The liquid crystal layer 6 modulates light passing
therethrough according to the state of electric fields, and a
liquid-crystal display unit using a liquid crystal of horizontal
electric-field mode, such as FFS (fringe field switching) mode and
IPS (in-plane switching) mode, can be used. An orientation film can
be arranged, respectively, between the liquid crystal layer 6 and
the pixel substrate 2, and the liquid crystal layer 6 and the
counter substrate 3 illustrated in FIG. 9.
[0099] The orientation film can be respectively arranged between
the liquid crystal layer 6 and the pixel substrate 2, and the
liquid crystal layer 6 and the counter substrate 3, and an
incident-side polarization plate can be arranged on the lower
surface side of the pixel substrate 2.
[0100] FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration
example of the drive electrodes and the touch detection electrodes
of the display unit with a touch detection function according to
the first embodiment. The touch detection device 30 includes the
drive electrodes COML and the touch detection electrodes TDL. The
drive electrodes COML are provided as a plurality of stripe
electrode patterns extending in a horizontal direction in FIG. 11.
When the touch detection operation is performed, the drive signal
Vcom is sequentially supplied to the respective electrode patterns
by the drive electrode driver 14, so as to perform line sequential
scanning in the time divisional manner as described below. The
touch detection electrodes TDL are provided as the stripe electrode
patterns extending in a direction orthogonal to an extending
direction of the electrode patterns of the drive electrodes COML.
The touch detection electrodes TDL face the drive electrodes COML
in the vertical direction to the surface of the TFT substrate 21.
The respective electrode patterns of the touch detection electrodes
TDL are respectively coupled to an input of the analog LPF 42 of
the touch detection unit 40. The electrode patterns in which the
drive electrodes COML and the touch detection electrodes TDL
intersect each other generate a capacitance at intersections
thereof.
[0101] According to the configuration, in the touch detection
device 30, at the time of performing the touch detection operation,
the drive electrode driver 14 sequentially selects one detection
block of the drive electrodes COML by performing the drive to
line-sequentially scan the drive electrodes COML as the drive
electrode block in the time divisional manner, and touch detection
of one detection block is performed by outputting the touch
detection signals Vdet from the touch detection electrodes TDL.
That is, the drive electrode block corresponds to the drive
electrode E1 in the basic principle of touch detection described
above, and the touch detection electrode TDL corresponds to the
touch detection electrode E2. The touch detection device 30 detects
touch according to the basic principle. As illustrated in FIG. 11,
the electrode patterns that intersect each other constitutes
capacitive type touch sensors in a matrix. Accordingly, when the
entire touch detection surface of the touch detection device 30 is
scanned, a position where contact or proximity of an external
proximity object has occurred therein can be detected.
[0102] The TFT substrate 21 corresponds to a specific example of
"substrate" according to the present disclosure. The pixel
electrode 22 corresponds to a specific example of "pixel electrode"
according to the present disclosure. The scanning signal line GCL
corresponds to a specific example of "scanning signal line"
according to the present disclosure. The drive electrode COML
corresponds to a specific example of "drive electrode" according to
the present disclosure. The touch detection electrode TDL
corresponds to a specific example of "touch detection electrode"
according to the present disclosure. The liquid crystal element LC
corresponds to a specific example of "display functional layer"
according to the present disclosure. The source driver 13 and the
drive electrode driver 14 correspond to a specific example of
"scanning drive unit" according to the present disclosure. The
touch detection unit 40 corresponds to a specific example of
"detection processing unit" according to the present disclosure.
The touch detection electrode TDL corresponds to "touch detection
electrode" according to the present disclosure. The color filter 32
corresponds to "color filter" according to the present
disclosure.
1-1B. Operations and Functions
[0103] Subsequently, operations and functions of the display device
1 with a touch detection function according to the first embodiment
are explained below.
[0104] Because the drive electrode COML functions as the common
drive electrode of the liquid-crystal display unit 20, and also
functions as the drive electrode of the touch detection device 30,
the drive signal Vcom may cause influence on each other. Therefore,
the drive signal Vcom is applied to the drive electrode COML
separately in a display period B for performing a display operation
and a touch detection period A for performing a touch detection
operation. The drive electrode driver 14 applies the drive signal
Vcom as a display drive signal in the display period B for
performing the display operation. The drive electrode driver 14
applies the drive signal Vcom as the touch detection drive signal
in the touch detection period A for performing the touch detection
operation. In the following explanations, the drive signal Vcom as
the display drive signal may be described as a display drive signal
Vcomd, and the drive signal Vcom as the touch detection drive
signal may be described as a touch detection drive signal
Vcomt.
[0105] Outline of Entire Operation
[0106] The control unit 11 supplies a control signal respectively
to the gate driver 12, the source driver 13, the drive electrode
driver 14, and the touch detection unit 40 based on the video
signal Vdisp supplied from outside, and controls these units to
operate in synchronization with each other. The gate driver 12
supplies the scanning signal Vscan to the liquid-crystal display
unit 20 in the display period B, and sequentially selects one
horizontal line as a display target. The source driver 13 supplies
the pixel signals Vpix to the respective pixels Pix that constitute
one horizontal line selected by the gate driver 12 in the display
period B.
[0107] The drive electrode driver 14 applies the display drive
signal Vcomd to the drive electrode block corresponding to one
horizontal line in the display period B, and sequentially applies
the touch detection drive signal Vcomt of a frequency higher than
that of the display drive signal Vcomd to the drive electrode block
corresponding to a touch detection operation to select one
detection block sequentially in the touch detection period A. In
the display period B, the display unit 10 with a touch detection
function performs the display operation based on signals supplied
from the gate driver 12, the source driver 13, and the drive
electrode driver 14. In the touch detection period A, the display
unit 10 with a touch detection function performs the touch
detection operation based on the signal supplied from the drive
electrode driver 14, and outputs the touch detection signal Vdet
from the touch detection electrode TDL. The analog LPF 42 amplifies
and outputs the touch detection signal Vdet. The A/D convertor 43
converts an analog signal output from the analog LPF 42 to a
digital signal at a timing synchronized with the touch detection
drive signal Vcomt. The signal processor 44 detects the presence of
touch to the touch detection device 30 based on an output signal
from the A/D convertor 43. When a touch is detected by the signal
processor 44, the coordinate extractor 45 obtains a touch panel
coordinate thereof, and outputs an output signal Vout. The control
unit 11 controls the detection-timing controller 46 to change a
sampling frequency of the touch detection drive signal Vcomt.
[0108] Detailed Operation
[0109] A detailed operation of the display device 1 with a touch
detection function is explained next. FIG. 12 is a timing waveform
diagram illustrating an operation example of the display device
with a touch detection function according to the first embodiment.
As illustrated in FIG. 12, the liquid-crystal display unit 20
sequentially scans the horizontal lines one by one on the adjacent
(n-1)-th row, the n-th row, and the (n+1)-th row of the scanning
signal lines GCL to perform display according to the scanning
signal Vscan supplied from the gate driver 12. Similarly, the drive
electrode driver 14 supplies the drive signal to the adjacent
(m-1)-th row, the m-th row, and the (m+1)-th row of the drive
electrodes COML of the display unit 10 with a touch detection
function based on the control signal supplied from the control unit
11.
[0110] In this manner, the display device 1 with a touch detection
function performs a touch detection operation (the touch detection
period A) and a display operation (the display period B) in the
time divisional manner for each display horizontal period 1H. In
the touch detection operation, the display device 1 with a touch
detection function selects a different drive electrode COML for
each display horizontal period 1H and applies the drive signal Vcom
thereto, thereby to perform scanning of touch detection. The
operation thereof is explained below in detail.
[0111] First, the gate driver 12 applies the scanning signal Vscan
to the scanning signal line GCL on the (n-1)-th row, and the
scanning signal Vscan(n-1) changes from a low level to a high
level. Accordingly, one display horizontal period 1H starts.
[0112] Next, in the touch detection period A, the drive electrode
driver 14 applies the drive signal Vcom to the drive electrode COML
on the (m-1)-th row, and the drive signal Vcom(m-1) changes from a
low level to a high level. The drive signal Vcom(m-1) is
transmitted to the touch detection electrode TDL via the
capacitance, and the touch detection signal Vdet changes. When the
drive signal Vcom(m-1) changes from the high level to the low
level, the touch detection signal Vdet also changes. The waveform
of the touch detection signal Vdet in the touch detection period A
corresponds to that of the touch detection signal Vdet in the basic
principle of touch detection as described above. The A/D convertor
43 performs A/D conversion on the touch detection signal Vdet in
the touch detection period A, and the signal processor 44 performs
touch detection. Thus, the display device 1 with a touch detection
function performs touch detection of one detection line.
[0113] Next, in the display period B, the source driver 13 applies
the pixel signal Vpix to the pixel signal line SGL to perform
display of one horizontal line. As illustrated in FIG. 12, a change
in the pixel signal Vpix is transmitted to the touch detection
electrode TDL via a parasitic capacitance, and the touch detection
signal Vdet can change. However, the A/D convertor 43 does not
perform A/D conversion in the display period B, thereby enabling to
suppress the influence of the change in the pixel signal Vpix with
respect to touch detection. After the supply of the pixel signal
Vpix by the source driver 13 is complete, the gate driver 12
changes the scanning signal Vscan of the scanning signal line GCL
on the (n-1)-th row from the high level to the low level, and the
one display horizontal period 1H finishes.
[0114] Next, the gate driver 12 applies the scanning signal Vscan
to the scanning signal line GCL on the n-th row different from the
previous row, and the scanning signal Vscan(n) changes from the low
level to the high level. Accordingly, the next display horizontal
period 1H starts.
[0115] In the next touch detection period A, the drive electrode
driver 14 applies the drive signal Vcom to the drive electrode COML
on the m-th row different from the previous column. The A/D
convertor 43 performs A/D conversion on the change in the touch
detection signal Vdet, and thus the touch detection of one
detection line is performed.
[0116] Next, in the display period B, the source driver 13 applies
the pixel signal Vpix to the pixel signal line SGL to perform
display of one horizontal line. Because the display device 1 with a
touch detection function according to the present embodiment
performs inversion drive, the polarity of the pixel signal Vpix
applied by the source driver 13 is inverted as compared with that
of the previous display horizontal period 1H. After the display
period B has finished, the one display horizontal period 1H
finishes.
[0117] Thereafter, by repeating the operation described above, the
display device 1 with a touch detection function performs the
display operation by performing scanning over the entire display
surface, and performs the touch detection operation by performing
scanning over the entire touch detection surface.
[0118] As described above, the display device 1 with a touch
detection function performs the touch detection operation in the
touch detection period A, and the display operation in the display
period B in one display horizontal period 1H. In this manner,
because the touch detection operation and the display operation are
performed in different periods, both the display operation and the
touch detection operation can be performed in the same one display
horizontal period 1H, and the influence of the display operation
with respect to touch detection can be suppressed.
[0119] Arrangement of Touch Detection Electrodes
[0120] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating an arrangement
of touch detection electrodes according to the first embodiment.
The touch detection electrodes TDL illustrated in FIG. 13 extend in
a direction different from an extending direction of the scanning
signal line GCL illustrated in FIG. 10. The touch detection
electrodes TDL are arranged with a predetermined pitch. In the
touch detection electrode TDL, a transparent conducting oxide such
as ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) is used as a material of the transparent
electrode. The touch detection electrode TDL is transparent, but
has a predetermined refraction index. Therefore, in the display
device 1 with a touch detection function, a dummy electrode TDD is
provided between transparent electrode patterns of the touch
detection electrodes TDL, so that the touch detection electrodes
are made invisible and less noticeable on human eyes.
[0121] Therefore, as illustrated in FIG. 13, in the counter
substrate 3, the dummy electrode TDD, which is not coupled to the
touch detection unit 40, is arranged between the touch detection
electrodes TDL and parallel to the extending direction of the touch
detection electrodes TDL. The dummy electrode TDD is formed of the
same material as that of the touch detection electrode TDL.
Therefore, visibility of the touch detection electrodes TDL is
mitigated.
[0122] FIGS. 14, 15, and 16 are schematic diagrams illustrating an
enlarged view of the touch detection electrodes according to the
first embodiment. FIG. 14 is a specific enlarged view illustrating
the touch detection electrode TDL and the dummy electrode TDD
illustrated in FIG. 13. FIG. 15 is an enlarged view illustrating
the touch detection electrode TDL illustrated in FIG. 14. FIG. 16
is an enlarged view illustrating a slit at a position U in the
transparent electrode pattern of the touch detection electrode TDL
illustrated in FIG. 15.
[0123] As illustrated in FIGS. 14, 15, and 16, the touch detection
electrode TDL includes detection electrode patterns 61, and a
detection-electrodes conductive portions 62 that conduct between
the detection electrode patterns 61. The detection electrode
patterns 61 and the detection-electrodes conductive portions 62
forms a pattern of a transparent conductive body e such as ITO that
surrounds the periphery of a non-detection area 65.
[0124] The detection electrode patterns 61 are transparent, but
have a predetermined refraction index. Therefore, in the display
device 1 with a touch detection function, one or more slits SL in
which there is no transparent conductive body e such as ITO is
provided in each detection electrode pattern 61 of the touch
detection electrode TDL, so that the touch detection electrodes TDL
are made invisible and less noticeable on human eyes.
[0125] Similarly, dummy pattern dmp is arranged in the
non-detection area 65 surrounded by the detection electrode
patterns 61 illustrated in FIG. 15 by using the transparent
conductive body e such as ITO as illustrated in FIG. 14, so that
the touch detection electrodes TDL are made invisible and less
noticeable on human eyes. The dummy pattern dmp is partitioned into
reed-shaped dummy patterns 64 by one or more slits SL.
[0126] The dummy electrode TDD illustrated in FIG. 14 is
partitioned into reed-shaped dummy patterns 63 of the transparent
conductive body e such as ITO by the slits SL described above. The
slit SL described above also partitions the dummy electrode TDD and
the touch detection electrode TDL. The slit SL between the dummy
electrode TDD and the touch detection electrode TDL and the slit SL
in the detection electrode patterns 61, the dummy pattern dmp, and
the dummy electrode TDD are arranged with an equal interval.
[0127] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram for explaining a relation
between an arrangement of the touch detection electrodes and color
regions of the color filter according to the first embodiment. FIG.
18 is a schematic diagram for explaining a specific example of the
relation between the arrangement of the touch detection electrodes
and the color regions of the color filter illustrated in FIG. 17.
As illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18, the color filter 32 includes
color regions 32R, 32G, and 32B colored in three colors of red (R),
green (G), and blue (B). Normally, the color regions 32R, 32G, and
32B respectively extend in a direction to intersect the extending
direction of the scanning signal line GCL in grade separation and
orthogonal thereto. Furthermore, the detection electrode patterns
61 of the touch detection electrodes TDL illustrated in FIG. 17
extend in the direction to intersect the extending direction of the
scanning signal line GCL in grade separation and orthogonal
thereto. The slit SL is a straight line, as illustrated in FIG. 18,
extending in the direction orthogonal to the scanning signal line
GCL.
[0128] As described above, the color filter 32 is matched with the
pixel Pix as one set, in which the color regions 32R, 32G, and 32B
colored in three colors of red (R), green (G), and blue (B) are
matched with each sub-pixel SPix. When it is assumed that a pitch
of the pixel Pix (a pitch of one set of the sub-pixels SPix) in the
extending direction of the scanning signal line GCL is a pixel
pitch GL, and a pitch of the slit SL in the extending direction of
the scanning signal line GCL is a slit pitch LX, the slit pitch LX
is multiples of a natural number of the pixel pitch GL.
[0129] In this manner, the slits SL in the detection electrode
patterns 61 of the touch detection electrodes TDL are arranged with
an interval of multiples of a natural number (for example, one
time) of the pitch of the pixel Pix of the pixel electrodes 22
arranged in the matrix. Further, the slits SL in the dummy patterns
63 and 64 are also arranged with the interval of multiples of a
natural number (for example, one time) of the pitch of the pixel
Pix of the pixel electrodes 22 arranged in the matrix.
[0130] Operational Effect
[0131] There may be a difference in optical wavelengths according
to the presence or nonpresence of the transparent conductive body
e, between light that is emitted from the pixel Pix of the
liquid-crystal display unit 20, passes through the detection
electrode pattern 61 of the touch detection electrode TDL or the
dummy pattern 63 or 64, and reaches human and light that is emitted
from the pixel Pix of the liquid-crystal display unit 20, passes
through the slit SL, and reaches human. The difference in the
optical wavelengths appears as a change in color to be displayed
originally, and Moire fringes may become visible according to a
field angle at which the human watches the display unit 10 with a
touch detection function.
[0132] As described above, the slits SL according to the first
embodiment are arranged with the interval of multiples of a natural
number (for example, one time) of the pitch of the pixel Pix of the
pixel electrodes 22 arranged in the matrix. Therefore, the slit SL
according to the first embodiment overlaps regions of a specific
color as viewed in the vertical direction to the surface of the TFT
substrate 21. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 17, the slit SL
overlaps the specific color regions 32B as viewed in the vertical
direction to the surface of the TFT substrate 21. Alternatively, as
illustrated in FIG. 18, the slit SL overlaps the specific color
regions 32G as viewed in the vertical direction to the surface of
the TFT substrate 21. Therefore, in the display device 1 with a
touch detection function according to the first embodiment, the
slit SL does not cause a variation of a decrease of transmittance
between pixels Pix.
[0133] Furthermore, the display device 1 with a touch detection
function according to the first embodiment can reduce the influence
of the slits SL as compared with a case where the slit SL is
provided for each sub-pixel SPix. As a result, in the display
device 1 with a touch detection function according to the first
embodiment, the possibility of causing a difference in the optical
wavelengths due to the presence or nonpresence of the transparent
conductive body e can be suppressed. Therefore, the display device
1 with a touch detection function according to the first embodiment
can suppress the possibility of shifting the color to be displayed
originally by the liquid-crystal display unit 20. As a result, the
display unit 10 with a touch detection function according to the
first embodiment can decrease the possibility in which Moire
fringes become visible according to the visual field angle.
1-2. Second Embodiment
[0134] The display device 1 with a touch detection function
according to a second embodiment is explained next. FIG. 19 is a
schematic diagram for explaining a relation between an arrangement
of touch detection electrodes and color regions of a color filter
according to the second embodiment. FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram
for explaining a specific example of the relation between the
arrangement of the touch detection electrodes and the color regions
of the color filter illustrated in FIG. 19. Same reference signs
refer to similar constituent elements explained in the first
embodiment, and redundant explanations thereof may not be
repeated.
[0135] As illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20, the color filter 32
includes color regions 32R, 32G, and 32B colored in three colors of
red (R), green (G), and blue (B). Normally, the color regions 32R,
32G, and 32B respectively extend in the direction to intersect the
extending direction of the scanning signal line GCL in grade
separation and orthogonal thereto. Furthermore, the detection
electrode patterns 61 of the touch detection electrodes TDL
illustrated in FIG. 19 extend in the direction to intersect the
extending direction of the scanning signal line GCL in grade
separation and orthogonal thereto. The slit SL is a zigzag line, as
illustrated in FIG. 19, in which a straight line having an angle
.theta. with respect to a straight line orthogonal to the scanning
signal line GCL is folded back at a bent part at a regular
interval.
[0136] As described above, the color filter 32 is matched with the
pixel Pix as one set, in which the color regions 32R, 32G, and 32B
colored in three colors of red (R), green (G), and blue (B) are
matched with each sub-pixel SPix. When it is assumed that the pitch
of the pixel Pix (the pitch of one set of the sub-pixels SPix) in
the extending direction of the scanning signal line GCL is the
pixel pitch GL, and the pitch of the slit SL in the extending
direction of the scanning signal line GCL is the slit pitch LX, the
slit pitch LX is multiples of a natural number of the pixel pitch
GL.
[0137] For example, in FIG. 19, the slit pitch LX is two times the
pixel pitch GL. In FIG. 20, the slit pitch LX is one time the pixel
pitch GL. As illustrated in FIG. 19, when it is assumed that a slit
folding pitch of the slit SL that is folded back at a bent part is
DL, the slit folding pitch DL is three times the pitch of the
sub-pixel SPix in the extending direction of the scanning signal
line GCL. The slit SL is folded back across four sub-pixels
Spix.
[0138] As described above, the slits SL in the detection electrode
patterns 61 of the touch detection electrodes TDL are arranged with
an interval of multiples of a natural number (for example, two
times) of the pitch of the pixel Pix of the pixel electrodes 22
arranged in a matrix. Similarly, the slits SL in the dummy patterns
63 and 64 are arranged with the interval of multiples of a natural
number (for example, two times) of the pitch of the pixel Pix of
the pixel electrodes 22 arranged in the matrix.
1-2A. Operational Effect
[0139] As in the slits SL according to the first embodiment, the
slits SL according to the second embodiment are arranged with the
interval of multiples of a natural number (for example, two times)
of the pitch of the pixel Pix of the pixel electrodes 22 arranged
in the matrix. It is possible to reduce the influence of the slits
SL by increasing the slit pitch LX, as compared with a case where
the slit SL is provided for each sub-pixel SPix. However, when the
slit pitch LX is equal to or larger than 150 micrometers (.mu.m),
an invisibilizing effect deteriorates, and, for example, the touch
detection electrodes TDL may be viewed. Therefore, the slit SL of
the second embodiment is a zigzag line. The slit SL of the second
embodiment overlaps a plurality of color regions so as to extend
across the color regions as viewed in the vertical direction to the
surface of the TFT substrate 21.
[0140] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 19, the slit SL overlaps
the specific color regions 32B, 32R, and 32G as viewed in the
vertical direction to the surface of the TFT substrate 21.
Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 20, the slit SL overlaps the
specific color regions 32B and 32G as viewed in the vertical
direction to the surface of the TFT substrate 21. Therefore, in the
display device 1 with a touch detection function according to the
second embodiment, the slit SL does not cause a variation of a
decrease of transmittance between pixels Pix. Accordingly, the slit
SL according to the second embodiment can strengthen the
invisibilizing effect, and even if the slit pitch LX is increased,
visibility of the detection electrode patterns 61 and the dummy
patterns 63 and 64 can be reduced.
[0141] Furthermore, the display device 1 with a touch detection
function according to the second embodiment can reduce the
influence of the slits SL as compared with the case where the slit
SL is provided for each sub-pixel SPix. As a result, the display
device 1 with a touch detection function according to the second
embodiment can suppress the possibility of causing a difference in
the optical wavelengths according to the presence or nonpresence of
the transparent conductive body e. Therefore, the display device 1
with a touch detection function according to the second embodiment
can suppress the possibility of shifting the color to be displayed
originally by the liquid-crystal display unit 20. As a result, the
display unit 10 with a touch detection function according to the
second embodiment can decrease the possibility in which Moire
fringes become visible according to the visual field angle.
1-2B. First Modification of Second Embodiment
[0142] FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram for explaining a first
modification of the relation between the arrangement of the touch
detection electrodes and the color regions of the color filter
illustrated in FIG. 19. As illustrated in FIG. 21, the slit SL
according to the first modification of the second embodiment is a
wavy line in which a straight line having an angle .theta. with
respect to a straight line orthogonal to the scanning signal line
GCL is folded back at a bent part SLQ at a regular interval. As
compared with the zigzag line described above, the wavy line is a
curved line with a corner of a bent part SLQ being rounded, thereby
enabling to suppress an increase of resistance due to the influence
of the bent part SLQ. The example explained in the second
embodiment with the zigzag line of the slit SL can apply the wavy
line as well.
1-2C. Second Modification of Second Embodiment
[0143] FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram for explaining a second
modification of the relation between the arrangement of the touch
detection electrodes and the color regions of the color filter
illustrated in FIG. 19. As illustrated in FIG. 22, a slit pitch LX
according to the second modification of the second embodiment is
multiples of a natural number (for example, one time) of the pixel
pitch GL. The slit SL according to the second modification of the
second embodiment is a zigzag line. The slit SL according to the
second modification of the second embodiment does not overlap a
plurality of color regions to extend across the plurality of color
regions as viewed in the vertical direction to the surface of the
TFT substrate 21.
[0144] The slit folding pitch DL is equal to or smaller than a
pitch SPL of the sub-pixel SPix in the extending direction of the
scanning signal line GCL. The slit SL is folded back in the column
of one sub-pixel SPix. The slit SL overlaps the regions of a
specific color such as the color regions 32B as viewed in the
vertical direction to the surface of the TFT substrate 21. For
example, as illustrated in FIG. 22, the slit SL overlaps the
specific color regions 32G as viewed in the vertical direction to
the surface of the TFT substrate 21. Therefore, in the display
device 1 with a touch detection function according to the second
modification of the second embodiment, the slit SL does not cause a
variation of a decrease of transmittance between pixels Pix.
Furthermore, it is expected that the slit SL can strengthen the
invisibilizing effect due to the effect of its zigzag line
shape.
1-2D. Third Modification of Second Embodiment
[0145] FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram for explaining a third
modification of the relation between the arrangement of the touch
detection electrodes and the color regions of the color filter
illustrated in FIG. 19. As illustrated in FIG. 23, the slit pitch
LX according to the third modification of the second embodiment is
multiples of a natural number (for example, one time) of the pixel
pitch GL. The slit SL according to the third modification of the
second embodiment is a zigzag line. The slit SL according to the
third modification of the second embodiment overlaps a plurality of
color regions so as to extend across the plurality of color regions
as viewed in the vertical direction to the surface of the TFT
substrate 21.
[0146] The slit folding pitch DL is equal to or smaller than two
times of the pitch SPL of the sub-pixel SPix in the extending
direction of the scanning signal line GCL. The slit SL is folded
back across two sub-pixels SPix.
[0147] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 23, the slit SL overlaps
a plurality of color regions 32G and 32B as viewed in the vertical
direction to the surface of the TFT substrate 21. Therefore, the
display device 1 with a touch detection function according to the
third modification of the second embodiment does not cause a
variation of a decrease of transmittance between pixels Pix.
Accordingly, the slit SL according to the third modification of the
second embodiment can strengthen the invisibilizing effect, and
even if the slit pitch LX is increased, visibility of the detection
electrode patterns 61 and the dummy patterns 63 and 64 can be
reduced.
[0148] Furthermore, the display device 1 with a touch detection
function according to the third modification of the second
embodiment can reduce the influence of the slit SL, as compared
with the case where the slit SL is provided for each sub-pixel
SPix. As a result, in the display device 1 with a touch detection
function according to the third modification of the second
embodiment, the possibility of causing a difference in the optical
wavelengths due to the presence or nonpresence of the transparent
conductive body e can be suppressed. Therefore, the display device
1 with a touch detection function according to the third
modification of the second embodiment can suppress the possibility
of shifting the color to be displayed originally by the
liquid-crystal display unit 20. As a result, the display unit 10
with a touch detection function according to the third modification
of the second embodiment can decrease the possibility in which
Moire fringes become visible according to the visual field
angle.
1-2E. Fourth Modification of Second Embodiment
[0149] FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram for explaining a fourth
modification of the relation between the arrangement of the touch
detection electrodes and the color regions of the color filter
illustrated in FIG. 19. Although not illustrated in FIG. 24, the
slit pitch LX according to the fourth modification of the second
embodiment is multiples of a natural number (for example, three
times) of the pixel pitch GL, as in the second embodiment described
above. The slit SL according to the fourth modification of the
second embodiment is a zigzag line. The slit SL according to the
fourth modification of the second embodiment overlaps a plurality
of color regions so as to extend across the plurality of color
regions as viewed in the vertical direction to the surface of the
TFT substrate 21.
[0150] The slit folding pitch DL is equal to or smaller than six
times the pitch SPL of the sub-pixel SPix in the extending
direction of the scanning signal line GCL. The slit SL is folded
back across six sub-pixels SPix.
[0151] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 24, the slit SL overlaps
a plurality of color regions 32R, 32G, 32B, 32R, 32G, and 32B as
viewed in the vertical direction to the surface of the TFT
substrate 21. Therefore, the display device 1 with a touch
detection function according to the fourth modification of the
second embodiment does not cause a variation of a decrease of
transmittance between pixels Pix. Accordingly, the slit SL
according to the fourth modification of the second embodiment can
strengthen the invisibilizing effect, and even if the slit pitch LX
is increased, visibility of the detection electrode patterns 61 and
the dummy patterns 63 and 64 can be reduced.
[0152] Furthermore, the display device 1 with a touch detection
function according to the fourth modification of the second
embodiment can reduce the influence of the slit SL, as compared
with the case where the slit SL is provided for each sub-pixel
SPix. As a result, in the display device 1 with a touch detection
function according to the fourth modification of the second
embodiment, the possibility of causing a difference in the optical
wavelengths due to the presence or nonpresence of the transparent
conductive body e can be suppressed. Therefore, the display device
1 with a touch detection function according to the fourth
modification of the second embodiment can suppress the possibility
of shifting the color to be displayed originally by the
liquid-crystal display unit 20. As a result, the display unit 10
with a touch detection function according to the fourth
modification of the second embodiment can decrease the possibility
in which Moire fringes become visible according to the visual field
angle.
1-2F. Fifth Modification of Second Embodiment
[0153] FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram for explaining a fifth
modification of the relation between the arrangement of the touch
detection electrodes and the color regions of the color filter
illustrated in FIG. 19. Although not illustrated in FIG. 25, the
slit pitch LX according to the fifth modification of the second
embodiment is multiples of a natural number (for example, three
times) of the pixel pitch GL, as in the second embodiment described
above. The slit SL according to the fifth modification of the
second embodiment is a zigzag line. The slit SL according to the
fifth modification of the second embodiment overlaps the position
of the pixel signal line SGL illustrated in FIG. 10, as viewed in
the vertical direction to the surface of the TFT substrate 21.
Therefore, light passing through the slit SL is dimmed by the
scanning signal line GCL. As a result, scattering light that may be
generated at the bent part SLQ of the slit SL is reduced.
Accordingly, the slit SL according to the fifth modification of the
second embodiment can strengthen the invisibilizing effect, and
even if the slit pitch LX is increased, visibility of the detection
electrode patterns 61 and the dummy patterns 63 and 64 can be
reduced.
1-2G. Sixth Modification of Second Embodiment
[0154] FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram for explaining a sixth
modification the relation between the arrangement of the touch
detection electrodes and the color regions of the color filter
illustrated in FIG. 19. The slit pitch LX according to the sixth
modification of the second embodiment is multiples of a natural
number (for example, one time) of the pixel pitch. The slit SL
according to the sixth modification of the second embodiment is a
zigzag line.
[0155] The bent part SLQ of the slit SL according to the sixth
modification of the second embodiment overlaps the position of the
scanning signal line GCL illustrated in FIG. 10, as viewed in the
vertical direction to the surface of the TFT substrate 21.
Therefore, light passing through the slit SL is dimmed by the
scanning signal line GCL. As a result, scattering light that may be
generated at the bent part SLQ of the slit SL is reduced.
Accordingly, the slit SL according to the sixth modification of the
second embodiment can strengthen the invisibilizing effect, and
even if the slit pitch LX is increased, visibility of the detection
electrode patterns 61 and the dummy patterns 63 and 64 can be
reduced.
[0156] The bent part SLQ of the slit SL according to the sixth
modification of the second embodiment overlaps entirely on the
position of the scanning signal line GCL illustrated in FIG. 10, as
viewed in the vertical direction to the surface of the TFT
substrate 21. The bent part SLQ of the slit SL can partly overlap
the position of the scanning signal line GCL as viewed in the
vertical direction to the surface of the TFT substrate 21. In this
case, the effect can be increased by the amount in which the bent
part SLQ and the scanning signal line GCL overlap each other.
1-2H. Seventh Modification of Second Embodiment
[0157] FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram for explaining a seventh
modification of the relation between the arrangement of the touch
detection electrodes and the color regions of the color filter
illustrated in FIG. 19. The slit pitch according to the seventh
modification of the second embodiment is multiples of a natural
number (for example, one time) of the pixel pitch. The slit SL
according to the seventh modification of the second embodiment is a
zigzag line.
[0158] As illustrated in FIG. 27, a light shielding layer BM, which
has a light shielding function and is also referred to as "black
matrix", is arranged at the edge of the sub-pixel SPix in the same
layer as the color filter 32. The bent part SLQ of the slit SL
according to the seventh modification of the second embodiment
overlaps the position of the light shielding layer BM as viewed in
the vertical direction to the surface of the TFT substrate 21.
Therefore, light passing through the slit SL is dimmed by the light
shielding layer BM. As a result, scattering light that may be
generated at the bent part SLQ of the slit SL is reduced.
Accordingly, the slit SL according to the seventh modification of
the second embodiment can strengthen the invisibilizing effect, and
even if the slit pitch LX is increased, visibility of the detection
electrode patterns 61 and the dummy patterns 63 and 64 can be
reduced.
1-2I. Eighth Modification of Second Embodiment
[0159] FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram for explaining an eighth
modification of the relation between the arrangement of the touch
detection electrodes and the color regions of the color filter
illustrated in FIG. 19. The slit pitch according to the eighth
modification of the second embodiment is multiples of a natural
number (for example, one time) of the pixel pitch. The slit SL
according to the eighth modification of the second embodiment is a
zigzag line. The sub-pixels SPix illustrated in the second
embodiment and the first to seventh modifications of the second
embodiment have a shape referred to as "dual domain pixel". The
shape of the sub-pixels SPix is not limited thereto, and can have a
shape illustrated in FIG. 28, which is referred to as "pseudo dual
domain pixel".
1-2J. Ninth Modification of Second Embodiment
[0160] FIGS. 29 and 30 are schematic diagrams illustrating the
arrangement of the touch detection electrodes according to a ninth
modification of the second embodiment. As described above, the
touch detection electrode TDL includes the detection electrode
patterns 61 and the detection-electrodes conductive portions 62
that conduct between the detection electrode patterns 61. The
detection electrode patterns 61 and the detection-electrodes
conductive portions 62 surround the periphery of the non-detection
area 65. Although illustration of the slit SL is omitted in FIGS.
29 and 30, because the slit SL is the zigzag line, the shape of a
boundary line 66 on the side of the non-detection area 65 and the
shape of a boundary line 67 on the side of the dummy electrode TDD
of the detection electrode pattern 61 also become zigzag.
[0161] The electrode pattern 61 illustrated in FIG. 29 is
line-symmetric in which the boundary line 66 and the boundary line
67 of the electrode pattern 61 are folded back in the extending
direction of the electrode pattern 61 (the direction orthogonal to
the extending direction of the scanning signal line GCL described
above). In the detection electrode pattern 61 illustrated in FIG.
30, there is a part in which the boundary line 66 and the boundary
line 67 of the electrode pattern 61 are parallel to each other.
Therefore, the width of the portion between the boundary line 66
and the boundary line 67 in the direction orthogonal to the
extending direction of the electrode pattern 61 (the direction
orthogonal to the extending direction of the scanning signal line
GCL described above) becomes substantially constant. The detection
electrode pattern 61 illustrated in FIG. 30 can reduce a partial
electric loss as compared with the detection electrode pattern 61
illustrated in FIG. 29, and can reduce a variation of a resistance
characteristic within the surface of the touch detection device
30.
1-3. Third Embodiment
[0162] The display device 1 with a touch detection function
according to a third embodiment is explained next. FIG. 31 is a
schematic diagram for explaining a change in luminance
corresponding to an arrangement of touch detection electrodes
according to the third embodiment. FIGS. 32 to 36 are schematic
diagrams for explaining a relation between an arrangement of the
touch detection electrodes and color regions of a color filter
according to the third embodiment. Same reference signs refer to
similar constituent elements explained in the first and second
embodiments, and redundant explanations thereof may not be
repeated.
[0163] The color filter 32 includes color regions 32R, 32G, 32B,
and 32W colored in four colors of red (R), green (G), blue (B), and
white (W). The color filter 32 is matched with the pixel Pix as one
set, in which the color regions 32R, 32G, 32B, and 32W colored in
four colors of red (R), green (G), blue (B), and white (W) are
matched with each sub-pixel SPix by cyclically arranging color
filters colored in, for example, four colors of red (R), green (G),
blue (B), and white (W).
[0164] A pattern (a) illustrated in FIG. 31 represents a state
where the slit SL described in the first embodiment overlaps the
color region 32B of blue (B), of the color regions 32R, 32G, 32B,
and 32W colored in four colors of red (R), green (G), blue (B), and
white (W).
[0165] A pattern (b) illustrated in FIG. 31 represents a state
where the slit SL described in the first embodiment overlaps the
color region 32R of red (R), of the color regions 32R, 32G, 32B,
and 32W colored in four colors of red (R), green (G), blue (B), and
white (W).
[0166] A pattern (c) illustrated in FIG. 31 represents a state
where the slit SL described in the first embodiment overlaps the
color region 32G of green (G), of the color regions 32R, 32G, 32B,
and 32W colored in four colors of red (R), green (G), blue (B), and
white (W).
[0167] A pattern (d) illustrated in FIG. 31 represents a state
where the slit SL described in the first embodiment overlaps the
color region 32W of white (W), of the color regions 32R, 32G, 32B,
and 32W colored in four colors of red (R), green (G), blue (B), and
white (W).
[0168] The patterns (a), (b), (d), and (d) illustrated in FIG. 31
can be arranged in order of from Blow having a low luminance to
BHigh having a high luminance. Therefore, the color regions 32R and
32G illustrated in FIG. 32 are extended in the direction orthogonal
to the extending direction of the scanning signal line GCL, and the
color regions 32B and 32W are arranged alternately every time the
scanning signal line GCL is exceeded. The slit SL is a zigzag line
that is folded back within a pitch of two sub-pixels SPix in the
extending direction of the scanning signal line GCL, and is
arranged at a slit pitch of multiples of a natural number (for
example, one time) of the pixel pitch.
[0169] The color regions 32R and 32B illustrated in FIG. 33 are
arranged alternately every time the scanning signal line GCL is
exceeded in the direction orthogonal to the extending direction of
the scanning signal line GCL. The color regions 32G and 32W are
arranged alternately every time the scanning signal line GCL is
exceeded. The slit SL is a zigzag line that is folded back within a
pitch of two sub-pixels SPix in the extending direction of the
scanning signal line GCL, and is arranged at a slit pitch of
multiples of a natural number (for example, two times) of the pixel
pitch.
[0170] The color regions 32R, 32G, 32B, and 32W illustrated in FIG.
34 are extended in the direction orthogonal to the extending
direction of the scanning signal line GCL. The slit SL is a zigzag
line that is folded back within a pitch of two sub-pixels SPix in
the extending direction of the scanning signal line GCL, and is
arranged at a slit pitch of multiples of a natural number (for
example, one time) of the pixel pitch.
[0171] The color regions 32R and 32G illustrated in FIG. 35 are
extended in the direction orthogonal to the extending direction of
the scanning signal line GCL, and the color regions 32B and 32W are
arranged alternately every time the scanning signal line GCL is
exceeded. The slit SL is a zigzag line that is folded back within a
pitch of two sub-pixels SPix in the extending direction of the
scanning signal line GCL, and is arranged at a slit pitch of
multiples of a natural number (for example, one time) of the pixel
pitch. The slit SL can avoid overlapping the white (W) color region
32W having the largest influence. With this arrangement, the
possibility of weakening the invisibilizing effect because the
luminance is high and the influence of the slit SL is increased as
the pattern (d) illustrated in FIG. 31 can be reduced.
[0172] The color regions 32R and 32B illustrated in FIG. 36 are
arranged alternately every time the scanning signal line GCL is
exceeded in the direction orthogonal to the extending direction of
the scanning signal line GCL, and the color regions 32G and 32W are
arranged alternately every time the scanning signal line GCL is
exceeded. The slit SL is a zigzag line that is folded back within a
pitch of one sub-pixel SPix in the extending direction of the
scanning signal line GCL, and is arranged at a slit pitch of
multiples of a natural number (for example, one time) of the pixel
pitch. The slit SL can avoid overlapping the white (W) color region
32W having the largest influence. With this arrangement, the
possibility of weakening the invisibilizing effect because the
luminance is high and the influence of the slit SL is increased as
the pattern (d) illustrated in FIG. 31 can be reduced.
1-4. Modifications
[0173] While embodiments of the present disclosure have been
explained above as describing several illustrative embodiments and
modifications, the present disclosure is not limited to these
embodiments and the like, and various modifications can be
made.
[0174] In the embodiments described above, as described in the
first embodiment, the drive electrode COML is driven and scanned
one by one. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto,
and instead of this example, for instance, a predetermined number
of drive electrodes COML can be driven and scanned by shifting the
drive electrodes COML one by one.
[0175] In the display device 1 with a touch detection function
according to the respective embodiments and modifications described
above, the liquid-crystal display unit 20 using liquid crystals of
various horizontal electric-field modes such as FFS mode or IPS
mode and the touch detection device 30 can be integrated to form
the display unit 10 with a touch detection function. Alternatively,
the display unit 10 with a touch detection function can be formed
by integrating liquid crystals of various vertical electric-field
modes such as TN (Twisted Nematic) mode, VA (Vertical Alignment)
mode, or ECB (Electrically Controlled Birefringence) mode and the
touch detection device.
[0176] For example, the display device 1 with a touch detection
function can use a vertical electric-field mode liquid crystal.
Furthermore, in the respective embodiments described above, a
so-called "in-cell" type in which the liquid-crystal display unit
20 and the capacitive type touch detection device 30 are integrated
is used. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto,
and instead of this example, for instance, the display device 1
with a touch detection function can be an apparatus in which the
capacitive type touch detection device is mounted on the
liquid-crystal display unit. Also in this case, by having the
configuration described above, touch detection can be performed
with Moire fringes reduced.
2. APPLICATION EXAMPLE
[0177] Next, with reference to FIGS. 37 to 48, application examples
of the display device 1 with a touch detection function explained
in the above embodiments and modifications are explained. FIGS. 37
to 48 illustrate examples of an electronic apparatus to which the
display device with a touch detection function according to the
above embodiments is applied. It is possible to apply the display
device 1 with a touch detection function according to the first,
second, and third embodiments and modifications to electronic
apparatuses in any field, including a television device, a digital
camera, a laptop personal computer, a portable terminal device such
as a portable phone, a video camera, and the like. In other words,
it is possible to apply the display device 1 with a touch detection
function according to the first, second, and third embodiments and
modifications to electronic apparatuses in any field, which display
a video signal input externally or a video signal generated
internally as an image or a video.
Application Example 1
[0178] An electronic apparatus illustrated in FIG. 37 is a
television device to which the display device 1 with a touch
detection function according to the first, second, and third
embodiments and modifications is applied. This television device
includes a video display screen unit 510 that includes a front
panel 511 and a filter glass 512, for example. The video display
screen unit 510 is the display device with a touch detection
function according to the first, second, and third embodiments and
modifications.
Application Example 2
[0179] An electronic apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 38 and 39 is a
digital camera to which the display device 1 with a touch detection
function according to the first, second, and third embodiments and
modifications is applied. This digital camera includes a
flash-light producing unit 521, a display unit 522, a menu switch
523, and a shutter button 524, for example. The display unit 522 is
the display device with a touch detection function according to the
first, second, and third embodiments and modifications.
Application Example 3
[0180] An electronic apparatus illustrated in FIG. 40 is a video
camera to which the display device 1 with a touch detection
function according to the first, second, and third embodiments and
modifications is applied, and FIG. 40 illustrates its external
appearance. This video camera includes a main unit 531, a subject
capturing lens 532 that is provided on the front side of the main
unit 531, an image-capturing start/stop switch 533, and a display
unit 534, for example. The display unit 534 is the display device
with a touch detection function according to the first, second, and
third embodiments and modifications.
Application Example 4
[0181] An electronic apparatus illustrated in FIG. 41 is a laptop
personal computer to which the display device 1 with a touch
detection function according to the first, second, and third
embodiments and modifications is applied. This laptop personal
computer includes a main unit 541, a keyboard 542 for an operation
to input text and the like, and a display unit 543 that displays an
image. The display unit 543 is the display device with a touch
detection function according to the first, second, and third
embodiments and modifications.
Application Example 5
[0182] An electronic apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 42 to 48 is a
portable phone to which the display device 1 with a touch detection
function according to the first, second, and third embodiments and
modifications is applied. This portable phone is configured by
coupling an upper casing 551 and a lower casing 552 by a coupling
unit (a hinge) 553, and includes a display 554, a sub-display 555,
a picture light 556, and a camera 557. The display 554 or the
sub-display 555 is the display device with a touch detection
function according to the first, second, and third embodiments and
modifications.
3. ASPECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0183] The present disclosure includes aspects as follows.
[0184] (1) A display device with a touch detection function
comprising:
[0185] a substrate;
[0186] a plurality of pixel electrodes arranged in a matrix on a
plane parallel to a surface of the substrate;
[0187] a plurality of scanning signal lines extending on a plane
parallel to the surface of the substrate to supply a scanning
signal for driving the pixel electrodes;
[0188] a display functional layer that provides an image display
function based on an image signal;
[0189] a drive electrode that faces the pixel electrodes in a
vertical direction to the surface of the substrate and extends in a
direction parallel to an extending direction of the scanning signal
lines; and
[0190] a plurality of touch detection electrodes including a
detection electrode pattern of a transparent conductive body that
faces the drive electrode in the vertical direction and extends in
a direction different from the extending direction of the scanning
signal lines, wherein
[0191] the detection electrode pattern includes one or more slits
each of which is a region where the transparent conductive body is
not present,
[0192] the slits of the detection electrode pattern of the touch
detection electrodes extend in a direction different from the
extending direction of the scanning signal lines with a slit pitch
having a predetermined interval therebetween in the extending
direction of the scanning signal lines, and
[0193] the slit pitch is multiples of a natural number of a
predetermined pixel pitch in which the pixel electrodes are
arranged.
[0194] (2) The display device with a touch detection function
according to (1), wherein
[0195] the touch detection electrode includes the detection
electrode pattern and a dummy pattern that does not function as an
electrode,
[0196] the dummy pattern includes one or more slits each of which
is a region where the transparent conductive body is not
present,
[0197] the slits of the dummy pattern of the touch detection
electrodes extend in a direction different from the extending
direction of the scanning signal lines with a slit pitch having a
predetermined interval in the extending direction of the scanning
signal lines, and
[0198] the slit pitch of the detection electrode pattern and the
slit pitch of the dummy pattern are same.
[0199] (3) The display device with a touch detection function
according to (1), wherein the slits of the detection electrode
pattern have a zigzag line shape in which a straight line having an
angle with respect to a direction orthogonal to the extending
direction of the scanning signal lines is folded back at a bent
part.
[0200] (4) The display device with a touch detection function
according to (1), wherein the slits of the detection electrode
pattern have a wavy line shape in which a straight line having an
angle with respect to a direction orthogonal to the extending
direction of the scanning signal lines is folded back at a bent
part.
[0201] (5) The display device with a touch detection function
according to (3), wherein the slits of the detection electrode
pattern has a shape in which the straight line having the angle
with respect to the direction orthogonal to the extending direction
of the scanning signal lines extends across one or more of the
pixel electrodes, as viewed in the vertical direction.
[0202] (6) The display device with a touch detection function
according to (3), further comprising a plurality of pixel signal
lines that extend on a plane parallel to the surface of the
substrate to supply a pixel signal for displaying an image to the
pixel electrodes, wherein
[0203] the bent part overlaps a part of the pixel signal line as
viewed in the vertical direction.
[0204] (7) The display device with a touch detection function
according to (3), further comprising a plurality of pixel signal
lines that extend on a plane parallel to the surface of the
substrate to supply a pixel signal for displaying an image on the
pixel electrodes, wherein
[0205] the slit of the detection electrode pattern extends along at
least a part of the pixel signal line and overlaps therewith as
viewed in the vertical direction.
[0206] (8) The display device with a touch detection function
according to (3), wherein the bent part overlaps a part of the
scanning signal line as viewed in the vertical direction.
[0207] (9) The display device with a touch detection function
according to (1), further comprising a color filter that faces the
display functional layer in the vertical direction and has a
plurality of color regions colored in different colors, wherein
[0208] the slits are arranged so as to avoid a color region colored
in white.
[0209] (10) The display device with a touch detection function
according to (3), further comprising a light shielding layer that
shields an edge of the pixel electrode from light, wherein
[0210] the slit overlaps a part of the light shielding layer as
viewed in the vertical direction.
[0211] (11) The display device with a touch detection function
according to (3), wherein the detection electrode pattern has a
part in which boundary lines on both sides thereof in the extending
direction of the scanning signal lines are parallel to each
other.
[0212] (12) An electronic apparatus comprising a display device
with a touch detection function that detects an external proximity
object, the display device with a touch detection function
comprising:
[0213] a substrate;
[0214] a plurality of pixel electrodes arranged in a matrix on a
plane parallel to a surface of the substrate;
[0215] a plurality of scanning signal lines extending on a plane
parallel to the surface of the substrate to supply a scanning
signal for driving the pixel electrodes;
[0216] a display functional layer that provides an image display
function based on an image signal;
[0217] a drive electrode that faces the pixel electrodes in a
vertical direction to the surface of the substrate and extends in a
direction parallel to an extending direction of the scanning signal
lines; and
[0218] a plurality of touch detection electrodes including a
detection electrode pattern of a transparent conductive body that
faces the drive electrode in the vertical direction and extends in
a direction different from the extending direction of the scanning
signal lines, wherein
[0219] the detection electrode pattern includes one or more slits
each of which is a region where the transparent conductive body is
not present,
[0220] the slits of the detection electrode pattern of the touch
detection electrodes extend in a direction different from the
extending direction of the scanning signal lines with a slit pitch
having a predetermined interval therebetween in the extending
direction of the scanning signal lines, and
[0221] the slit pitch is multiples of a natural number of a
predetermined pixel pitch in which the pixel electrodes are
arranged.
[0222] The electronic apparatus according to the present disclosure
includes a display device with a touch detection function. The
electronic apparatus includes, but are not limited to, to
television sets, digital cameras, personal computer, video cameras,
portable electronic apparatuses such as mobile phones, etc.
[0223] In the display device with a touch detection function and
the electronic apparatus according to the present disclosure, the
possibility of causing a difference in optical wavelengths
according to the presence or nonpresence of a transparent
conductive body is suppressed. With this configuration, the display
device with a touch detection function can suppress the possibility
of shifting a color to be displayed originally.
[0224] According to one embodiment of the display device with a
touch detection function and the electronic apparatus according to
the present disclosure, it is possible to decrease the possibility
in which Moire fringes become visible according to the visual field
angle.
[0225] It should be understood that various changes and
modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described
herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes
and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the present subject matter and without diminishing its
intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and
modifications be covered by the appended claims.
* * * * *